Building teamwork without awkward icebreakers or forced fun

The engagement crisis: Why traditional team building is failing

Employee engagement has hit a sobering low. Only 31% of employees feel truly engaged at work in 2025 - the lowest level in a decade. Behind this statistic lies a deeper story about connection, or rather, its absence in today's workplace.

Think about your own team. Some members might be fully remote, others hybrid, and a few purely office-based. Maybe you've tried the standard team-building playbook - virtual happy hours, trust falls, or those infamous "get to know you" icebreakers. Yet something still feels missing. The energy isn't quite there. The genuine connections that turn colleagues into collaborators seem just out of reach.

You're not alone in this challenge. Our groundbreaking Gen Z at Work Study, analyzing data from more than 395,000 professionals globally, reveals something surprising: despite growing up in a digital world, younger generations show a strong preference for collaborative environments over solo work. They thrive in team settings where they can actively contribute to and learn from their colleagues. When these opportunities for meaningful collaboration are missing, the impact ripples through every aspect of work - from daily productivity to long-term retention.

The traditional approach to team building - focused on surface-level activities and forced fun - isn't addressing this deeper need for genuine connection. In a world where burnout rates are climbing and mental health concerns are at the forefront, we need to fundamentally rethink how we build bonds between team members.

But here's what's fascinating: the solution isn't about adding more team activities to everyone's already packed calendars. It's about understanding how different people naturally connect and collaborate and then creating environments where these connections can flourish authentically. When teams get this right, the transformation is remarkable - engagement soars, innovation flows more freely, and work becomes genuinely energizing rather than draining.

Let's explore how to make this transformation happen for your team.

Transform your team: Moving beyond surface-level connection

The way we work together has fundamentally changed. It's no longer about simply coordinating tasks or sharing project updates - today's teams need to forge meaningful connections across time zones, cultures, and work styles to truly thrive.

An Oxford study found that trust and psychological safety are at the heart of high-performing teams. Teams with strong interpersonal trust significantly outperform their peers. This trust-based advantage is even more critical in hybrid and virtual environments, where casual office interactions no longer happen organically.

But here's the challenge: not everyone connects and collaborates in the same way. Our research reveals fascinating generational differences in how people naturally work together. Gen Z shows a uniquely methodical and collaborative approach, preferring to gather diverse perspectives before moving forward. Baby Boomers and Gen X, on the other hand, often thrive on quick, intuitive decision-making and independent action.

Source: The Gen Z at Work Study

Without an intentional approach, these differences can create disconnects, particularly in remote settings. What works for one group may feel forced or ineffective for another. The key to strong teamwork isn’t about making everyone fit into the same mold—it’s about creating an environment where diverse work styles can naturally complement one another.

Take Sarah's team at a growing tech startup. Despite having highly talented individuals, collaboration felt forced, and energy was low. Through understanding each team member's natural work style, they discovered that while some thrived on spontaneous video chats, others needed time to process and preferred written communication. By adapting their collaboration approach to honor these differences, they saw engagement and productivity soar.

If you're curious to understand the unique dynamics within your own team, Marlee's science-backed motivation assessment reveals exactly how different team members prefer to work and collaborate. With this deeper insight, you can cultivate a work environment where everyone contributes in ways that feel natural and energizing.

Building team connections that last: A proven strategy

Understanding how your team naturally connects is the foundation for building meaningful relationships that drive results. Every team has a unique rhythm—some thrive in fast-paced brainstorming sessions, while others perform best with structured problem-solving. Recognizing these differences is the first step toward creating an environment where collaboration feels authentic rather than forced.

Here’s how work styles impact team dynamics:

• Group vs solo work: Some team members are energized by social interaction, while others need uninterrupted focus time
• Communication preferences: Some absorb information best through reading and writing, others through speaking and listening
• Decision-making styles: Some are motivated to gather diverse perspectives before deciding, others trust their internal compass
• Problem-solving approaches: Some are energized by identifying and preventing potential issues, others by chasing ambitious goals

Observing these patterns can provide valuable insight, but for a deeper understanding, Marlee’s assessment precisely identifies what motivates each team member.

With these insights in hand, leaders can tailor their approach:

• For collaborative teams, structure meetings around group brainstorming.
• For detail-oriented thinkers, create asynchronous spaces for analysis.
• For hybrid teams, blend verbal and written communication to suit different preferences.

When leaders align team-building efforts with natural work styles, engagement and innovation thrive—without the need for forced activities.

A Marlee team space showing similarities and differences in work styles

👉 How to run a team dynamics workshop

Make it last: Building sustainable teamwork

Strong teams aren’t built through one-off activities; they emerge from environments where people feel valued for their unique contributions. Sustainable teamwork happens when leaders recognize and honor these natural differences in motivation and connection.

Let's match different team-building approaches to natural work preferences:

For teams that value group energy:

• Transform standard meetings into walking catch-ups - perfect for those energized by activity and social connection
• Create dedicated spaces for informal collaboration where extroverted team members can thrive
• Schedule peer learning sessions that satisfy kinesthetic learners

For detail-oriented problem solvers:

• Structure activities around solving real workplace challenges
• Use asynchronous tools that allow time for thorough analysis
• Create spaces for sharing insights and prevention strategies

For collaborative decision-makers:

• Design inclusive brainstorming sessions that gather diverse perspectives
• Build in reflection time for processing before group discussion
• Establish feedback loops that honor different communication styles

For task-oriented methodical thinkers:

• Break team projects into clear step-by-step frameworks
• Create structured collaboration spaces with defined roles and processes
• Set up systems for documenting and sharing best practices

For big-picture innovators:

• Design open-ended brainstorming sessions focused on future possibilities
• Create space for sharing ambitious ideas without getting bogged down in details
• Enable cross-functional collaboration that sparks new perspectives

For hands-on experiential learners:

• Build interactive workshops where teams can practice new skills together
• Create opportunities for real-time problem-solving and experimentation
• Design activities that involve physical movement or tactile elements

For teams with mixed communication styles:

• Blend written and verbal channels (Slack threads + voice chats)
• Provide pre-read materials for those who process through reading
• Follow-up discussions with clear written summaries
• Create visual collaboration spaces for visual learners

Consider these simple adjustments to reinforce long-term team cohesion:

• For time-focused team members: Schedule regular, predictable connection points
• For systems thinkers: Create clear processes for collaboration and feedback
• For relationship-oriented members: Build in opportunities for meaningful 1:1 connections
• For achievement-driven individuals: Link team building to concrete goals and outcomes

The key is remaining flexible and continuously adapting based on what works best for your team. By prioritizing authenticity over one-size-fits-all approaches, teams can cultivate deeper trust, higher engagement, and a collaborative energy that lasts.

Focus on impact

Track how these tailored approaches influence:

• Team energy levels during different types of interactions
• Quality and frequency of collaboration
• Project outcomes and innovation
• Individual growth and satisfaction

Strong teams aren’t built through one-size-fits-all activities—they thrive in environments where people can contribute authentically through their natural work styles. The key is staying flexible and adapting to what works best for your team. When people feel truly seen and valued, authentic connections grow naturally, turning collaboration into something meaningful rather than forced.

🚀 Ready to unlock deeper connections and transform your team’s collaboration? Start for free with Marlee and discover how personalized insights can help your team thrive—authentically and effortlessly.